[Sub ID 4392] Game development training for young people (Jane Waite)

Which priority group of the Try, Test and Learn Fund does your idea support?
Young carers, Young parents, Young students at risk of long-term unemployment

What need or issue are you trying to address?
The ‘Don’t Panic – we’re Geeks’ program addresses an issue and a need. Firstly, we can address the issue that someone should not pursue being creative as a skill set, and that being creative ‘will not get you a job’. If we are open to expanding our idea of what is an acceptable skill set to acquire, then we would realise that there is a significant number of highly creative and tech savvy young people who are struggling to find their work purpose, and currently present to potential employees as not being job ready. Secondly, there is a need to provide these young people with accessible opportunities to develop combined creative and technical skill sets.

What is your idea?
‘Don’t Panic – we’re Geeks’ is a program aimed at tapping into the global multi-billion dollar gaming and app industries, and comic, graphic novel and video gaming scriptwriting industries. This generation provides these industries principle consumers, they are experts in trends and knowledge, and they should be creators, as well. But most avenues for them to do this are highly unaffordable. At ‘Don’t Panic – we’re Geeks’ resources and support are available to participants to learn how to build an app or video game, write video game scripts etc… utilising open source products, with the assistance of quality supervisors who also understand these industries. Attendance would be flexible, with the possibility of some later opening hours – this would enable those with commitments to not be penalised. At the very least, participants would exit the program after 6 months with higher level workplace and interpersonal skills, thus being more work ready; at best, they may create the next big app. As a supportive measure, participants would have access to $250 to promote their product, or to help promote themselves to a potential developer.